Social Media Tips for Authors: September

September is here, and with it comes a bunch of fun and engaging opportunities to connect with your readers. Whether you’re an indie author or just looking for creative ways to grow your social media presence, September is packed with special days to inspire content. Let’s dive into this month’s highlights and brainstorm how you can use these dates to boost engagement and promote your books.

Why Plan Social Media Content for September?

The start of September often marks a shift in mindset. Summer’s winding down, school is back in session, and people are settling into routines. For authors, this is a great time to reengage with readers, spark conversations, and promote books tailored for the season. Lucky for us, September offers a variety of fun holidays and themes that are perfect for crafting relatable, shareable content.

Key September Dates for Your Author Calendar

National Lazy Moms Day (September 1)

This is a perfect way to kick off the month with a lighthearted post. Encourage your audience to treat themselves—or a mom in their life—to something special. Suggest cozy reads for a relaxing day off and connect with readers on a personal level. Don’t forget to ask, “What’s your favorite way to unwind with a book?”

International Literacy Day (September 8)

Books, reading, and literacy are at the heart of everything authors love. Use this day to celebrate storytelling and the impact books have on lives. Share personal stories about books that shaped you or ask your audience to share their childhood favorites. Tie this back to your books and recommend your titles as great next reads.

National Cream-Filled Donut Day (September 14)

It might not scream “book promotion,” but everyone loves donuts! Posts like “What’s your favorite donut while reading?” can go a long way in boosting engagement. Share photos of your coffee and donuts alongside a book recommendation. Sometimes the best engagement ideas are just fun and low-pressure.

International Talk Like a Pirate Day (September 19)

This quirky holiday is a goldmine for creative posts. Got any pirate-themed books? Mention them! If not, ask readers to share their favorite pirate stories or characters. Joining the trend is an easy way to loosen up and show your playful side. Bonus—it’s also National Women’s Friendship Day, so don’t forget to encourage book swaps among friends!

World Gratitude Day (September 21)

If there’s one thing we all need more of, it’s gratitude. Take a moment to thank your readers. Let them know how much you appreciate their support and share any personal notes about how they’ve impacted your journey. A simple heartfelt post can do more to build trust with your audience than any ad campaign.

National Ghost Hunting Day (September 25)

If you write horror, paranormal, or even historical fiction, this one’s for you. Share stories of haunted settings, spooky vibes, or even ghostly inspiration behind your books. It’s a fun way to set the stage for Halloween season while promoting your books in a creative way.

National Coffee Day (September 29)

Coffee and books go hand-in-hand. Ask your followers how they take their coffee or share your own favorite brew. Pair the post with a book suggestion—what’s better than the perfect coffee paired with the perfect story?

Month-Long Themes to Join

Library Card Sign-Up Month

Libraries are a treasure trove for readers and writers alike. If your books are available in libraries, remind your followers to request them. This is also a great time to highlight how libraries shaped you as a reader or writer. Consider partnering with local libraries for cross-promotion.

Tolkien Week (September 19–25)

If you’re a fantasy writer or a fan of Tolkien, celebrate this week! Share how his work has influenced you or talk about your favorite Tolkien characters. Engage with readers by asking for their favorite Tolkien-inspired stories or moments.

Banned Books Week (September 26–October 2)

Tackle this important topic with care. Share banned book recommendations, highlight the importance of reading freely, or suggest your books with a witty twist like, “This book is almost daring enough to be banned!”

Back-to-School and Seasonal Reading Trends

September is also a back-to-school month, making it an ideal time to reconnect with readers. As routines shift, readers return to books for comfort, learning, or escape. Promote titles that fit with themes of renewal, productivity, or even parent-focused storylines. Plus, with the holiday season approaching, it’s the perfect time to start planning your fourth-quarter strategy.

How Boss Mode Can Help You Maximize Engagement

Need help organizing your ideas and staying ahead of the game? Consider using Boss Mode, a quarterly content planning system designed to optimize your social media strategy. With a focus on streamlining your calendar, it ensures you’re ready for all the upcoming opportunities. Whether it’s managing ad spend or scheduling content, tools like Boss Mode can make your planning simpler and more effective.

Wrap-Up

September’s rich with opportunities for authors to connect, engage, and grow their following. From celebrating literacy to sharing quirky holidays, there’s no shortage of ideas to make your social media stand out. Use this month to show your personality, start conversations, and, most importantly, build relationships with readers.

Ready to jump in? Pick a date, craft your content, and start connecting with your audience today! Let us know what you’re planning in the comments below!

Don’t forget to check out October next!